September 2023 – May 2024

For 91% of people in Ukraine, the Internet is a basic need at the level of security or food. This is evidenced by the research data of the Ministry of Digital Transformation. The project is designed to provide convenient and fast Internet access to all Intercity train passengers throughout the trip. As part of the implemented Wi-Fi portal project, passengers can use free access to the Internet and purchase Internet packages for their own needs in order to have access to the Wi-Fi network on the road without restrictions. And also use additional services available on board.

The architecture ensures flexibility, scalability and reliability of the system, using modern technologies and approaches to software development and deployment. The system is deployed in a private Data Computing Center.

Tariffing and management of Internet use in the network are provided by use of low-level DNS, DHCP, RADIUS protocols based on the UDP transport protocol. The software AAA server FREERADIUS working as a service in Kubernetes serves as an API interface of hardware routers to the billing system .

The application allowing to use local services even when the Internet connection is lost, is installed on each train based on Peplink equipment.

Various connection models have been developed depending on the client device, implemented through Captive Portal for convenient user experience. Captive Portal is an authorization website to which users connected to a public network are forcibly redirected before they can access the Internet.
Ddifferent Captive Portals are used depending on the type of device for a better user experience, with priority on mobile devices.

Responsive Web Design approach implemented​ to ensure optimal display on all devices. 

Routing system developed allows you to receive feedback from passengers of a specific train.

An intelligent firewall from the Peplink is used to effectively collect data on the operation of the portal in the train, which flexibly allows you to choose modes of filtering unwanted content.

An audit of the consumer actions on the portal with the help of the MAC address indication was developed, which can be used to view information about the work in the network.

Integration with external payment and messaging systems is configured. The system uses only open source technologies.

In addition to the interface for passengers, a powerful administrative interface has been implemented.

It allows to display detailed usage statistics brake-down by categories and time intervals, in particular:

• the amount of traffic used
• the number of connected consumers
• the number and volume of purchased or activated Internet packages
• indicators of group orders and others.

This allows to quickly assess the system’s efficiency, conduct analysis and identify possible problems.

In addition, the ability to generate reports in CSV format on all tables of the administrative panel has been implemented, in particular:

• administrative panel users and logs of their actions
• users of Internet services in trains and logs of their actions
• consumer sessions and statistics (both aggregated and by train and route)

Flexible portal content management enables administrators to easily update and change information available to passengers on the Portal. This ensures relevance and attractiveness of content for users.

Setting up equipment and access parameters includes :

• the ability to configure routers tied to trains and to make other settings that ensure optimal system operation.
• Administrators can independently change the settings, which allows you to quickly react to changing conditions or requirements.
• After installing the equipment in a new train, it is enough to add a new device in the administrative interface and indicate its MAC address to activate network access for passengers.

As part of the project, an API was also set up for integration with other systems of the Customer , which ensures smooth operation and enhanced opportunities for interaction with other services.

The goal of the project is to provide convenient and fast Internet access for all Intercity train passengers during the entire trip. This includes providing the opportunity to purchase Internet packages that meet the individual needs of passengers and to use Wi-Fi without restrictions during the trip. In addition, the project is aimed at improving the general level of comfort and satisfaction of passengers through access to additional services provided on board (menu, there is the possibility of connecting services for listening to audiobooks , streaming movies and other media content ). The implementation and support of the Wi-Fi portal is an important step in creating modern conditions for work, entertainment and communication during travel, contributing to the improvement of the quality of service and convenience for passengers.

• Together with partners (https://winncom.ua/) ensured uninterrupted access to the Internet in trains using MediaFast technologies and Starlink equipment with provision of 2n redundancy, load balancing on various WAN channels, deployed control and monitoring system using InControl 2 equipment in a private data center .
• The system works stably, with constant monitoring of its performance
• Depending on the client device, different models of connection via Captive have been developed Portal for convenient user experience ( Captive Portal is an authorization website to which users connected to a public network are forcibly redirected before they can access the Internet)
• After installing the equipment in a new train, it is enough to add a new device in the administrative interface and indicate its MAC address to activate network access for passengers.
• Ability to purchase internet packages: giving passengers the option to choose and purchase internet packages according to their needs.
• Improving the comfort of travel: increasing the overall level of comfort for passengers by being able to use the Internet throughout the trip.
• Access to additional services: providing passengers with the opportunity to use a variety of additional UZ services that are available or will be potentially available on board through the Wi-Fi portal. All additional services for passengers will be able to be configured by UZ employees through the developed administrative interface.
  • Food
  • Listening to audiobooks
  • Media library with movies
• Increased passenger satisfaction: Increased passenger satisfaction through improved conditions for work, entertainment and communication during travel.
• Promotion of innovations in the transport sector: implementation of innovative solutions to increase the efficiency and comfort of transportation, strengthening the position of Ukrzaliznytsia as a leader in providing modern services to passengers.